Abu Dhabi: Eric Gerets pronounced himself pleased after his title-chasing Al Jazira side bounced back from two consecutive defeats to beat defending champions Al Ahli 2-0 at home in the Arabian Gulf League on Thursday evening.
Gerets conceded that the Pride of Abu Dhabi had been far from their best at the Mohammad Bin Zayed Stadium, but said the three points were all that mattered in a victory earned by second-half goals from Mirko Vucinic and Ali Mabkhout.
The hard-fought win, against a slumping side who lie seventh and who missed a number of good scoring opportunities, means Al Jazira cut Al Ain’s lead at the top to three points, temporarily at least.
Gerets said: “This was not perfect from Al Jazira, but they showed enough fighting spirit in the second half to earn the three points.
“We did nothing correct in the first half. We gave too much space away, there was no construction from behind and there was no rhythm at all. But let’s say we are happy with the three points.”
The Belgian had goalkeeper Ali Khaseif, who was returning to action after being on national military service duty for two-and-a-half months, to thank for preserving a clean sheet.
Meanwhile, although their opponents were profligate through missed chances from Ahmad Khalil and Esmail Al Hammadi, Al Jazira were at their ruthless best despite an unconvincing display.
Unsurprisingly it was the prolific Vucinic who broke the deadlock, the Montenegrin tapping in Jonathan Pitriopa’s cross for his 21st goal in 19 league games after 67 minutes.
Eight minutes later, Mabkhout made the game safe from the penalty spot after Abdullah Moussa was brought down by Eissa Ahmad.
Centre-back Basheer Saeed was dismissed for the home side four minutes before time for two bookable offences, but his absence did not affect the final outcome despite late Al Ahli pressure.
